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Homemade meatloaf recipe with caramelized ketchup glaze fresh out of the oven in a 9x5 loaf pan

Homemade Meatloaf Recipe

A classic homemade meatloaf recipe made with 85% lean ground beef, Panko breadcrumbs, and a sweet tangy ketchup glaze. Juicy, flavorful, and ready for the weeknight dinner table in 1 hour 45 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 329
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp ketchup for the meatloaf mixture
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 lbs ground beef 85% lean recommended
  • 0.5 cup ketchup for the glaze
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar for the glaze
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar for the glaze

Equipment

  • 9x5 inch loaf pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Instant read meat thermometer
  • Fork or whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, Panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir with a fork until well combined.
  3. Add the ground beef and use clean hands to gently mix until just combined. Do not over-mix or the meatloaf will be dense.
  4. Transfer the mixture into the greased loaf pan and shape into an even loaf, pressing lightly to remove any air pockets.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar to make the glaze. Set aside.
  6. Bake the meatloaf for 45 minutes. Spread the glaze evenly over the top and continue baking for 35 to 45 more minutes, until the center reaches 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer. Total bake time is 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. The glaze should look deep, shiny, and caramelized.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Do not over-mix the ground beef or the meatloaf will turn out dense. Always verify doneness with an instant-read thermometer -- the center must reach 160 degrees F. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices before freezing for easy grab-and-go portions.